SerpApi.Org
Cristiano Ronaldo’s verified Instagram account liked a video that accused FIFA of rigging matches and claimed officials tried to help Lionel Messi and Argentina reach the 2026 World Cup final. The attention around the Portugal captain’s social media activity comes after Argentina lost 1-0 in extra time against Spain in the final. The like was later removed from the post, but screenshots of the activity had already spread across social media platforms before the change.
The short video clip featured sharp comments from Spanish journalist Pilar Rodriguez Losantos during an appearance on the television show Espejo Publico. As reported by BroBible, speaking before the final match took place in New Jersey, Losantos argued that key refereeing calls repeatedly went in favor of the South American squad throughout their tournament run in North America.
“Argentina should have been eliminated at least five matches ago! They are only still in the tournament thanks to help from FIFA, which is one of the most corrupt institutions on planet earth,” Pilar Rodriguez Losantos said.
The Like Was Quickly Deleted
The journalist insisted that Spain faced a bigger challenge from soccer’s governing body than from the opposing squad on the pitch. She pointed directly at FIFA leadership when discussing the matchup. “So, I’m not afraid of Argentina at all; I’m more afraid of Gianni Infantino. I think we’re not going to play against Argentina, but against the whole of FIFA, who want to hand the World Cup to Lionel Messi,” Pilar Rodriguez Losantos said.
Anger over the tournament officiating built up during the knockout stages as fans and media outlets tracked multiple close calls. In the group stage, Messi avoided a disciplinary card for a physical tackle against Algeria, while similar plays in other games led to red cards. Fans also pointed to a match in which Switzerland was shown a red card, allowing Argentina to score twice with a one-man advantage and pull off a comeback win.
The frustration hit a high point after Argentina beat Egypt 3-2 in the round of 16. That game included a video assistant referee review that canceled a goal by Egypt’s Mostafa Zico that would have given Egypt a two-goal lead. Referees also denied a penalty claim for the Egyptian team late in the match. The Egyptian Football Association filed an official complaint with FIFA right after the contest ended.
“Defending the rights and interests of the Egyptian national team is not a matter that can be ignored, minimised, or treated as secondary. It is a responsibility that we carry with full conviction and determination,” an Egyptian Football Association spokesperson said.
FIFA refereeing head Pierluigi Collina rejected all claims of unfair officiating, while Argentina defender Lisandro Martinez called the refereeing great. The tournament marked Ronaldo’s sixth and final World Cup appearance, as Portugal was knocked out in earlier rounds by Spain. Neither Ronaldo nor his representatives has issued a formal comment regarding the social media activity.
